How to Use Google Chrome Skills

How to Use Google Chrome Skills

Transform your browser into a high-performance command center by using Gemini AI slash commands to summarize, chat, and organize your digital life.

Google Chrome is evolving from a simple window to the web into an intelligent assistant that can execute multi-step workflows on your behalf. By leveraging the integrated Gemini side panel, users can now summarize pages, search history, and manage tasks using slash commands.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 10, 2026

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Have you ever found yourself with fifty tabs open, a looming deadline, and no idea where that one specific research paper went? 

The average professional spends a significant portion of their day just navigating the tools they use to work. 

What if you could simply use a slash command to summarize a complex document or search your entire browsing history with a conversational query?

The era of manual browser management is fading. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Chrome Skills.

Google is integrating Gemini AI directly into the Chrome experience.

This allows users to use the forward slash key within the Gemini panel to trigger powerful Skills that previously required dedicated AI extensions or manual copying and pasting.

New Copilot Connectors in Edge: The Hidden Upgrade That Makes Your Browser Smarter Intro Summary

New Copilot Connectors in Edge: The Hidden Upgrade That Makes Your Browser Smarter

Microsoft Edge now includes new Copilot connectors that link directly to your Outlook, OneDrive, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar accounts. These connectors help Copilot understand your real content so it can deliver grounded answers, smarter drafts, and faster results.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

April 8, 2026

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Most people open Edge to search the web, check email, or grab a file from the cloud. 

But something new is happening behind the scenes. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Connectors.

Copilot in Edge now understands your Microsoft 365 and Google accounts through a set of built‑in connectors that quietly unlock a smarter browsing experience.

Ask Copilot to summarize your latest email, find a file in OneDrive or Google Drive, or pull decisions from a Teams chat. 

It can do all of that without opening another app. 

These connectors turn Edge into a productivity hub that understands your work and personal life in a way that feels surprisingly natural.

Easter Fun with Google: Interactive Games and Traditions

Easter Fun with Google: Interactive Games and Traditions

Discover a digital basket full of interactive eggs, cultural puzzles, and hidden surprises waiting for you inside Google Arts and Culture.

Google offers a sophisticated yet playful way to celebrate the holiday by blending gaming with global traditions. This guide shows you how to access these hidden gems to entertain your family or your team during the break.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 5, 2026

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Have you ever wondered why we hunt for colorful eggs or how different cultures celebrate the arrival of spring? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Have Easter Fun with Google.

While most people use Google to find a recipe for glazed ham, the platform actually hides a massive digital playground dedicated to seasonal celebrations. 

Whether you are looking for a quick distraction during a lunch break or a way to keep the kids engaged with educational content, Google Arts and Culture has transformed holiday trivia into an interactive experience. 

Instead of a static webpage, you get a collection of games that test your knowledge and your reflexes.

Mixing Your Palette: Google’s Food Mood Brings AI Art to the Kitchen

Mixing Your Palette: Google’s Food Mood Brings AI Art to the Kitchen

Discover how Google’s latest AI experiment blends cultural recipes to create unique, visually stunning fusion dishes that inspire your next real-world meal. Google Arts & Culture has launched Food Mood, a generative AI tool that lets users combine two different national cuisines into a singular, innovative recipe.

Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 3, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a pack of tortillas and a jar of kimchi and wondered if they belonged together? 

Most of us stick to the culinary scripts we know, but the digital age is rewriting the cookbook. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Recipes with Food Mood and Google Gemini AI.

The new "Food Mood" experiment is part of a broader push to show how artificial intelligence can bridge cultural gaps through the universal language of food. 

It is not just about weird combinations; it is about using massive cultural databases to find the hidden threads between a spicy Nigerian jollof and a creamy Italian risotto. 

If you are tired of the same three rotating dinner options, this tool might be the spark your kitchen needs.

Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates

Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates

Create high-quality, consistent videos in seconds using the new Gemini-powered Veo 3.1 templates designed for business and personal storytelling. The future of AI video just got a lot more structured. Google is rolling out Veo 3.1 templates to help users skip the blank-page syndrome and generate professional-grade clips with ease.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 3, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a flashing cursor while trying to describe the perfect video scene to an AI? 

You aren't alone. 

Most users struggle to get the lighting, camera angles, and pacing just right on the first try. 

In fact, professional cinematographers spend years mastering the "look" that AI often misses in a basic text prompt. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Professional Videos with Templates in Veo 3.1.

Google has introduced Veo 3.1 templates within Gemini. 

Instead of guessing which keywords will trigger a cinematic lens flare or a smooth pan, you can now lean on pre-built structures that ensure your output looks polished and intentional from the very first frame.

Edit Slides in NotebookLM: No More Starting Over

Edit Slides in NotebookLM: No More Starting Over

Google has finally added the ability to edit individual slides within NotebookLM using simple text prompts. This update also introduces a long-requested PowerPoint export option for professional workflows.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 23, 2026

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Have you ever spent twenty minutes waiting for an AI to generate the "perfect" slide deck, only to realize that slide seven has a glaring typo or an image that looks nothing like your brand? 

Until now, NotebookLM users faced a frustrating "all or nothing" choice: keep the flawed deck or roll the dice on a full regeneration. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Edit Slides in NotebookLM.

Google has quietly upgraded its research powerhouse with a surgical editing tool that allows you to fix individual slides without touching the rest of your presentation. 

It is the bridge between AI creativity and human precision that business professionals have been waiting for.

How to Remove Your Explicit Content from Google Search Results

How to Remove Your Explicit Content from Google Search Results

Take control of your digital footprint by requesting the removal of sensitive personal images and information from Google Search results.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 15, 2026

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Have you ever searched for your own name only to find a photo that felt like a punch to the gut? 

Perhaps it is an old image shared without your consent that you never intended to be public. 

In an era where a digital first impression is often the only one that counts, finding explicit personal content of yourself online is more than just embarrassing. 

It is a security risk and a violation of privacy. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Remove the Content from Google.

Google has significantly expanded its toolset to help users claw back their privacy, but many people still believe that once something is on the internet, it stays there forever. 

That is not entirely true. 

While Google cannot delete a file from a third-party website server, it can effectively bury the link so it no longer appears in search results for the world to see.

Master the Art of Spotting Scams with Google’s New Interactive Game

Master the Art of Spotting Scams with Google’s New Interactive Game

Discover how to sharpen your digital defense skills using a free, browser-based simulation that trains you to identify modern phishing and fraud tactics.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 13, 2026

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How confident are you that you can spot a fake text from your bank or a fraudulent "urgent" email from a coworker?

As digital threats become more sophisticated, the traditional advice to just "look for typos" no longer cuts it. 

Scammers now use high-quality branding and psychological triggers to bypass our natural skepticism. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Play the "Be Scam Ready" Game from Google.

This "Be Scam Ready" game puts you in the hot seat to test your instincts against realistic, real-world scenarios.

Finally! How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data

Finally! How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data

Stop living with that embarrassing high school email address. Google finally lets you swap your primary @gmail.com handle while keeping every single message and photo intact. Discover how to transform your old Gmail identity into a professional new address without the headache of manual migrations. This update ensures you stay connected to your past while moving forward with a fresh digital name.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 10, 2026

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Are you still using the "coolguy92" or "sparkle-pony-fan" email address you created two decades ago? 

For years, the standard advice for anyone wanting a more professional Gmail identity was a digital shrug and a suggestion to start over from scratch. 

That meant moving thousands of photos, losing years of archived chats, and manually updating every single subscription service you own. 

It was a massive technical hurdle that kept millions of users tethered to usernames they outgrew long ago.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Pick a New Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data.

A new Gmail rollout is hitting accounts that allows users to pick a new @gmail.com address while automatically turning the old one into a permanent alias. 

You no longer have to choose between a professional look and your digital history.

Gemini Navigation Expands to Walking and Cycling in Google Maps

Gemini Navigation Expands to Walking and Cycling in Google Maps

Google Maps just got a major brain transplant for your morning commute and weekend treks. AI-powered navigation is no longer just for drivers.

Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 3, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a blue dot on your phone while spinning in circles trying to figure out which way is North? 

Even with augmented reality, urban canyons, and winding bike paths can be disorienting. 

Navigation has historically focused on the four-wheeled experience, leaving those on foot or two wheels to squint at tiny lines and hope for the best.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini for walking and cycling.

Google is bridging that gap by integrating Gemini into Google Maps specifically for walking and cycling. 

This update transforms the map from a static document into a conversational partner. 

It understands the context of your surroundings and helps you find specific landmarks or points of interest using natural language while you are on the move.

Explore Search Trends with Gemini

Explore Search Trends with Gemini

Turn raw search data into instant insight with AI-powered explanations, comparisons, and context that save hours of research.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 26, 2026

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Google Trends has long been the gold standard for understanding what the world is searching for, but finding the exact right terms to compare has always been a manual, trial-and-error process. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Trends Now with Gemini.

A new integration with Gemini now automates the heavy lifting, instantly suggesting relevant comparisons and explaining the "why" behind the data.

Why You Should Care

• Instant Context: Gemini explains why a topic is trending, not just that it is trending.
• Better Comparisons: Automatically generates up to eight relevant comparison terms (e.g., searching "dog breeds" auto-populates "Golden Retriever," "Poodle," etc.).
• Time Saver: Eliminates the guesswork of finding related keywords for market research or content planning.

How to Turn Messy Documents into Clean Data Tables with Google NotebookLM

How to Turn Messy Documents into Clean Data Tables with Google NotebookLM

Google NotebookLM now offers a powerful way to instantly organize scattered information from multiple documents into structured, easy-to-read data tables. This feature transforms the tedious task of manual comparison into a one-click operation, allowing you to export your findings directly to Google Sheets.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 5, 2026

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Have you ever stared at five different PDF contracts, trying to manually compare the cancellation clauses in each one? 

Or perhaps you have a dozen resumes and need to quickly see which candidates have a master's degree and Python experience. 

Traditionally, this meant opening every file, scrolling endlessly, and copy-pasting data into a spreadsheet. 

It is a slow, error-prone nightmare. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Google NotebookLM's New Data Tables Feature.

Google NotebookLM has solved this specific headache with a new Data Tables feature that lets the AI do the sorting and structuring for you.

Google Search Just Added a Plus Button

Google Search Just Added a Plus Button

Google is transforming its search bar from a text box into a command center with a simple interface update. You can now upload a photo or file directly to Search to get AI-powered answers for complex problems you cannot easily describe with words.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 21, 2025

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When was the last time you searched Google without typing a word?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Google Search AI Mode Plus (+) Button.

Google is quietly rolling out a feature that lets you stop typing and start showing.

How Google Turns 50,000 Everyday Sounds Into Your Next Beat

How Google Turns 50,000 Everyday Sounds Into Your Next Beat

This remarkable AI tool transforms ordinary noises like dog barks, sneezes, and footsteps into a massive, searchable library of percussion, letting anyone make unique musical loops. It is an approachable, powerful demonstration of machine learning applied to creativity that redefines what a drum machine can be.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 21, 2025

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Think about the soundscape of your daily life. 

The click of a keyboard, the whoosh of a coffee machine, a distant car horn. 

Do you hear music? 

Most people do not. 

We filter these noises out as background static. 

But what if those mundane sounds, broken down and categorized by artificial intelligence, could become the building blocks of a fresh, original musical composition? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Google's Infinite Drum Machine.

Google's Infinite Drum Machine takes that exact question and turns it into a captivating, hands-on answer. 

This AI experiment shifts the paradigm from using pre-programmed electronic drums to building beats out of the massive, untapped acoustic universe around us. 

It is not just a toy for musicians; it is a profound illustration of how machine learning can categorize and unlock the hidden creative potential in everyday data.

Master AI and Cloud Skills Faster with Google Skills: Your One-Stop Learning Hub

Master AI and Cloud Skills Faster with Google Skills: Your One-Stop Learning Hub

A fresh way to build in-demand AI and cloud expertise, Google Skills brings together thousands of labs, courses and badges that serve individuals and teams alike.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 27, 2025

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Have you ever found yourself juggling half-a-dozen online training portals and asking “Which one actually moves my career or team forward?” 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Learn with Google Skills.

Google is targeting frustrated employees with its new platform, Google Skills. 

With AI moving at breakneck speed and businesses demanding deeper cloud and machine-learning literacy, the old piecemeal approach to training is showing its age. 

Google Skills aims to give you one coherent place to build practical skills, validate them and even tie them into hiring or team-development pathways.

Google AI Mode Is Your New, Easier Way to Shop

Google AI Mode Is Your New, Easier Way to Shop

You can now find products using natural conversation, eliminating the frustrating need to click through dozens of filters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

October 18, 2025

Have you ever tried to buy something online that you just could not describe? 

Maybe it was a specific style of shoe or a color combination for a shirt. 

For years, the search bar made us search like robots, forcing us to use rigid keywords. 

We ended up clicking through pages of the wrong stuff, wasting time.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the new Google AI Mode Search.

It is a full conversational helper, powered by Google's best AI, Gemini 2.5. 

You can describe exactly what you want, even if your idea is vague or complex, and the AI will find it. 

Your Camera Just Got a Brain: Unlock Google’s Real-Time AI Assistant

Your Camera Just Got a Brain: Unlock Google’s Real-Time AI Assistant

Stop typing and start talking. Google Live Search turns your phone’s camera and microphone into a hands-free AI expert that answers questions about whatever you point it at, in real time.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 5, 2025

Are you frustrated by stopping mid-task to type a complicated search query? 

Whether you are wiring a home theater system or guiding a student through a science experiment, breaking your focus to consult a keyboard wastes valuable time.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Live.

Google has delivered the solution with Live Search in its main Google app for iOS and Android. 

This feature moves beyond simple image recognition. 

It initiates an interactive, voice-activated AI conversation where the system uses your live camera feed to provide continuous visual context. 

The AI sees what you see, listens to what you say, and responds immediately with information and links relevant to the object right in front of you. This is pure, hands-free problem-solving.

The New Google App for Windows: Your Digital Sidekick Just Got a Promotion

The New Google App for Windows: Your Digital Sidekick Just Got a Promotion

Google is testing a new Windows app through Labs that combines AI-powered search, and seamless integration with Google services, all within a desktop experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor, 

September 18, 2025

Note:  The Google Windows app has been officially released HERE: https://search.google/google-app/desktop/next-steps/

Your workflow is a river, and every time you stop to search for something, you're building a dam. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new Google App for Windows.

Google's new experimental app for Windows aims to clear that path, giving you instant access to information without ever breaking your stride.

NotebookLM’s New Video Overviews: Turn Your Research into AI-Narrated Slides

NotebookLM’s New Video Overviews: Turn Your Research into AI-Narrated Slides

Google’s NotebookLM now delivers AI‑generated narrated visual overviews, plus a more flexible Studio panel, streamlining how you digest, tailor, and share knowledge.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 16, 2025

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What if your dense research notes could talk you through the key points as a slick slideshow?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New Google NotebookLM Video Overview.

With its new Video Overviews feature, you get visual walkthroughs of your content, complete with figures, quotes, diagrams, and narration. 

It’s like having a mini‑doc ready to absorb, on demand. 

How Google Career Dreamer is Reshaping Professional Growth

How Google Career Dreamer is Reshaping Professional Growth

Tired of the endless job hunt merry-go-round? Feeling stuck in a career rut with no clear path forward? Google Career Dreamer isn’t just another online tool; it’s a strategic ally in navigating the complexities of today’s job market, offering personalized pathways to your next big opportunity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July, 28, 2025

Ever feel like the professional world is constantly shifting beneath your feet, making it impossible to plant roots and truly grow? 

In this ever-evolving landscape, simply "applying for jobs" often feels like throwing darts in the dark. 

What if you had a personalized roadmap, designed to not only highlight in-demand skills but also connect you directly with the training and opportunities to acquire them? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Google Career Dreamer.